84% of Kashmir Adults Lead Sedentary Lives: Study
Srinagar 02 March 2025: A recent study conducted by an expert team from SKIMS Soura under the Indian Council of Medical Research (IndiaB) has revealed concerning statistics about the sedentary lifestyles of adults in Kashmir. The study, which measures the prevalence of diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, and obesity in Kashmir and Ladakh, provides a comprehensive insight into the region’s health challenges.
Key Findings:
- High Inactivity Levels:
- The study found that a staggering 84.2 percent of adults in Kashmir lead sedentary lives, involving minimal physical activity such as exercise or walking. Only 15.8 percent of the studied population had an active lifestyle.
- Obesity Rates:
- The data revealed that 55.3 percent of people in Kashmir are obese. Obesity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, while a BMI over 25 is considered overweight. Obesity results from an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned, leading to excess fat accumulation in the body.
- Diabetes Prevalence:
- The diabetic population in Kashmir was found to be 7.8 percent. The study highlighted a significant gap between rural and urban diabetes burden, with 13.1 percent of the urban population affected compared to 5.6 percent in rural regions.
- Hypertension:
- In urban Kashmir, the study found that 32.4 percent of the population had hypertension, which is closely linked to obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Historical Context:
In 2010, a study by SKIMS Soura found that 16 percent of people aged between 20 and 40 years were obese, while just over 5 percent of the diabetic population fell within this age group. The recent IndiaB study showed a dramatic increase in obesity rates, with a nearly 250 percent rise in the obese population over the past 14 years, crossing 55 percent.
Health Implications:
Obesity has been closely linked to various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, Type-2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It has also been associated with mental health issues. The sedentary lifestyle prevalent in the region significantly contributes to these health risks, underscoring the need for increased awareness and intervention.
Lack of Awareness:
The study found a considerable lack of awareness about obesity, diabetes, and their impact on lives. Only 55 percent of the population knows that diabetes is preventable, and 51 percent are aware that diabetes affects other organs of the body. This highlights the need for intensified awareness campaigns and education about the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles and obesity.
Healthcare Initiatives:
Doctors have expressed the need for increased awareness regarding the effects of obesity. Healthcare authorities are investing in building campaigns to address the hazards of a sedentary lifestyle. These initiatives aim to educate the population about the importance of physical activity and healthy living.
Conclusion: The study conducted by SKIMS Soura under the Indian Council of Medical Research (IndiaB) reveals alarming statistics about the sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity rates in Kashmir. The findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, education, and healthcare initiatives to address these health challenges and promote healthier lifestyles in the region.
